Marathon Man (1976)

The critic praises Schlesinger’s taut thriller for its visceral dental-drill sequence and strong performances, especially Olivier’s chilling Nazi dentist and Hoffman’s committed lead, while noting the convoluted plot.

The critic calls it a gripping thriller with strong performances, especially Olivier as the essence of evil, and notes the memorable dentistry scene, while pointing out flaws like a slow start and fragmented structure.

The critic praises the film as well-crafted escapist entertainment and a diabolical thriller that works moment by moment through strong scenes, even if the plot has loose ends. He singles out the skillful direction and standout sequences like the diamond district walk and the dental torture scene for holding attention.

The review presents the film as an effective thriller that engages viewers despite its specialized plot elements. It highlights the intense situations and performances in a positive light.

The review finds the thriller effective in its basic set pieces but overall ponderous with obscure construction, loose ends, and overused locations; it singles out the compelling dentistry torture sequence as the best moment.

The review notes that the film spends too long setting up plot pieces from the novel, leaving viewers disengaged from the convoluted intrigue involving Nazis, agents, and diamonds. It criticizes the lack of clarity and momentum in the story and performances.

The critic finds the film a disappointment and Schlesinger's worst, criticizing the lack of suspense, frazzled crosscutting, and miscasting of Hoffman. She singles out the muddled execution and Hoffman's gasping performance for complaint.